Aligarh– Medical services at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) Hospital, Aligarh, were thrown into disarray on Wednesday as doctors launched an indefinite strike, leaving patients desperate for treatment.
The strike comes in the wake of a violent altercation between two student groups during the annual horse show at Aligarh Muslim University’s Athletics Grounds on Tuesday night. What began as a dispute over seating arrangements escalated into a violent clash, culminating in a gunfire exchange inside the hospital’s emergency ward, prompting a shutdown of critical services.
Emergency Services Paralyzed
JNMC’s Chief Medical Superintendent, Dr Amja Rizvi, confirmed that only a skeletal staff was attending to critical outpatient cases, but the Trauma Centre and full emergency services remain shut. “Negotiations are ongoing, but the doctors have categorically refused to resume work until their safety is guaranteed,” Rizvi said.
Hundreds of patients, many in serious condition, were turned away or left untreated, as senior consultants struggle to handle the overwhelming patient load in the absence of junior doctors.
Security Demands and Arrests
The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) has cited repeated lapses in hospital security and is demanding the deployment of trained security personnel and modern safety systems. “Doctors are increasingly insecure. This isn’t the first such incident. We want a long-term solution,” said an RDA spokesperson.
The RDA has also called for strict action against those involved in the shooting, including students and university officials allegedly responsible for the security breach.
Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the hospital violence, though their identities are yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, the university administration is under pressure to address the growing security concerns raised by both staff and students.
